The Global Talent visa is specifically intended to provide an immigration fast-track for individuals from around the world with expertise in the fields of academia or research, arts and culture, and digital technology. The Global Talent visa replaced the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Visa in February 2020. The scheme is open to leaders and potential leaders in the areas of:
- Academia or research
- Arts and culture
- Digital technology
- Architecture
- Fashion design
- Film and television
- Science
- Engineering
- Humanities
- Medicine
Global Talent visas are typically granted for up to five years, after which it is possible to extend for another one to five years. Alternatively, Global Talent visa holders can choose to apply for settlement (i.e. Indefinite Leave to Remain – ILR) after three years for a leader and five years for a potential leader.
The Global Talent visa is pitched at a higher level than other UK work visas and hence comes with additional benefits. With a Global Talent visa, you will be able to:
- come to the UK without meeting an English language requirement or having a job offer
- work for a company in the UK
- be self-employed
- become a company director
- change or stop doing your job without telling the Home Office
- bring your partner and children with you as your dependants
- travel abroad and return to the UK
- apply for ILR after just 3 years (for leaders)
Global Talent Visa eligibility requirements
In order to be eligible for a Global Talent Visa, you must be:
- over 18
- a leader or potential leader in academia or research, arts and culture, or digital technology
- be endorsed by an endorsing body
Unlike many other UK visa types, there are no salary or English language requirements.
Business endorsement
Selecting an endorsing body
Crucial to making a successful application for a Global Talent Visa is that you must gain endorsement to prove that you are a leader or potential leader from an approved endorsing body 1. You will not require endorsement, however, if you have an eligible award (see below). The endorsing body you need to approach for endorsement will depend on your field of work. The main endorsement bodies for the Global Talent Visa are as follows:
| Arts endorsing bodies |
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| Digital Technology endorsing bodies |
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| Science, engineering, humanities and medicine endorsing bodies |
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The application stages for a Global Talent Visa are as follows:
- Apply for endorsement from an appropriate approved endorsing body in the UK – it is important to understand how to get an endorsement for a Global talent visa. As explained above, each endorsing body will have its own application process and eligibility criteria for a leader and potential leader. In most cases, you will be expected to provide evidence that you have a strong body of work and the support of established experts in your area of work. You will need to pay an endorsement fee of £456.
- Once endorsed or if you have an eligible award (in which case you are exempt from endorsement), you will need to complete the online application form on the Home Office website; the form you need to complete depends on whether you are switching from a different visa while in the UK or you are outside the UK 2.
- Once your application form has been submitted, you will need to prove your identity. This can be done by either (you will be advised which identity method to use when you apply):
- having your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre – this is to get a biometric residence permit. There is a small fee of £19.20 to cover the costs of having your biometric information scanned and processed. Your biometric residence permit provides proof of residency in the UK.
- using the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document.
- Pay the application fee of £192 – each dependant family member will also need to pay an application fee of £716.
- Pay the immigration healthcare surcharge for the duration of your visa (this is currently £1035 per person per year).
Applications are typically processed within 3 weeks if submitted outside the UK or 8 weeks if switching to this visa in the UK. This may take longer if more evidence is needed or you are asked to attend an interview.